Roman Mosaic Panel of Satyr and Maenad /

Roman Mosaic Panel of Satyr and Maenad. Roman World, 1st - 2nd century A.D. Provenance: Ex-Asfar & Sarkis, early 1960's. Condition: Though fragmentary, the mosaic itself is in excellent state of preservation. Virtually no missing tesserae, and no restoration. This superb mosaic features two portraits within the same central frame; that of a Satyr and a Maenad (the bawdy followers of Dionysos). The detailed representations of these two figures, each associated with the god of the theatre, wine, revelry and festivities makes this both an interesting and beautiful composition. On the right, the face of a ‘shaggy' satyr with two pointy horn on his forehead, and small pointed ears, is coupled with that of a maenad, or a female follower of the deity.

The mosaicist took great care in depicting the nuances of the two figures, particularly the gradations of their hair and skin, utilizing a myriad of subtly coloured tesserae in various material in including glass paste, to create an effect that is not only technically impressive but also truly visually mesmerizing. This mosaic is truly representative of the highest quality achieved in the eastern provinces of the empire.

We can suppose that this panel, originally framing a larger scene, found its place in a villa of an adept of Dionysian cult or in a temple dedicated to this divinity.

The representation of faces in mosaic panels is rare; as the artistes preferred to represent their subjects in full busts.